The effects of two bovine β-casein peptides on the urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA) system and superoxide anion (SA) production by porcine macrophages and neutrophils activated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) were investigated. Macrophages and neutrophils were obtained from fourteen weaned piglets and were cultured in vitro for 24h with or without one of two chemically synthesised peptides: tripeptide leucine–leucine–tyrosine (residues 191–193 of β-casein) (LLY) and hexapeptide proline–glycine–proline–isoleucine–proline–asparagine (residues 63–68 of β-casein). Following incubation, cells were stimulated with 80μM-PMA. Total cell-associated u-PA, membrane-bound u-PA, free u-PA binding sites along with SA production were determined after stimulation with PMA. Both peptides suppressed the u-PA system and SA production of PMA-stimulated macrophages isolated from piglets during weeks 1–2 after weaning. Only the tripeptide LLY suppressed the u-PA system and SA production of PMA-stimulated neutrophils during the same time period. None of the peptides tested had any effect (P>0·05) on the u-PA system and SA production of PMA-stimulated macrophages and neutrophils isolated from the same piglets during weeks 5–6 after weaning. Thus, peptides are effective only in the early post-weaning period. Using cyclic AMP analogues that are highly specific activators of protein kinase A (PKA) or exchange protein directly activated by cyclic AMP-1 (Epac-1), we found that activation of PKA, but not Epac-1, was responsible for the downregulation of the u-PA system, whereas activation of PKA an/r Epac-1 was responsible for the downregulation of SA system in both macrophages and neutrophils.

Patients with eating disorders (ED) show alterations in both their behaviour and their intake of food, frequently presenting nutritional and somatic affectations. Besides the classical forms such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa, there has recently been an increase in atypical or incomplete forms of ED, such as binge eating. Primary care (PC) services form the central and closest nucleus of health care for the individual and the family, where ED occur and leave their mark. This allows PC to provide an integral response at all levels of care for ED. Primary prevention at school, in the family and community is fundamental to avoiding its inception. Secondary prevention is based on early diagnosis and treatment of ED and favours a better prognosis of the illness. Tertiary prevention tries to reduce the serious consequences with rehabilitation measures to alleviate complications and avoid risk to life. Due to its complexity, these patients are afforded the attention of multidisciplinary teams of specialists with experience in treating this condition. In consultation with the team, the general practitioner should adopt a leading role at all levels of attention, as he/she is the link between the team, the family and the patient. This requires both regulated, specific training in the disease and the allocation of resources to carry it through. Putting into practice all these plans would allow us to give a positive answer to the question posed in the title of the present article.

A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled design was employed to investigate the effects of Zn supplementation on cognitive function in 387 healthy adults aged 55–87 years. Several measures of visual memory, working memory, attention and reaction time were obtained using the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Battery at baseline and then after 3 and 6 months of 0 (placebo), 15 or 30 mg Zn/d. Younger adults (<70 years) performed significantly better on all tests than older adults (>70 years), and performance improved with practice on some measures. For two out of eight dependent variables, there were significant interactions indicating a beneficial effect (at 3 months only) of both 15 and 30 mg/d on one measure of spatial working memory and a detrimental effect of 15 mg/d on one measure of attention. Further work is required to establish whether these findings generalise to older adults in poorer mental and physical health and with less adequate Zn intake and status than the present sample.

The aim of the current study was to examine whether calcium supplementation could prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women or more favourable outcomes could be obtained via the consumption of dairy products fortified with calcium and vitamin D3. For this purpose changes in bone mineral density (BMD) at different skeletal sites, assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, as well as in quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters of the calcaneus over 12 months were estimated. A population of 101 postmenopausal women (55–65 years old) was randomized into a dairy group (DG: n 39), receiving approximately 1200 mg calcium/d and 7·5 μg vitamin D3/d through fortified dairy products; a calcium-supplemented group (CaG: n 26) provided with a calcium supplement of 600 mg/d; and a control group (CG: n 36). Over the intervention period the DG was found to have more favourable changes in pelvis (P = 0·040), total spine (P < 0·001) and total body BMD (P < 0·001) than the other groups. A significant increase was also observed for DG in lumbar spine BMD (2·0 %; 95 % CI 0·5, 3·5) although it did not differentiate significantly compared to the other groups. No significant differences were observed with respect to the changes in QUS parameters. The current study revealed that recommended intakes of vitamin D3 and calcium via fortified dairy products for 12 months can induce favourable changes in pelvis, total spine and total body BMD in postmenopausal women but not in QUS parameters. No such favourable changes were observed via supplementation of calcium alone.

Plantago ovata has been reported to reduce postprandial glucose concentrations in diabetic patients. In the present study, the efficacy and possible modes of action of hot-water extracts of husk of P. ovata were evaluated. The administration of P. ovata (0·5g/kg body weight) significantly improved glucose tolerance in normal, type 1 and type 2 diabetic rat models. When the extract was administered orally with sucrose solution, it suppressed postprandial blood glucose and retarded small intestinal absorption without inducing the influx of sucrose into the large intestine. The extract significantly reduced glucose absorption in the gut during in situ perfusion of small intestine in non-diabetic rats. In 28d chronic feeding studies in type 2 diabetic rat models, the extract reduced serum atherogenic lipids and NEFA but had no effect on plasma insulin and total antioxidant status. No effect of the extract was evident on intestinal disaccharidase activity. Furthermore, the extract did not stimulate insulin secretion in perfused rat pancreas, isolated rat islets or clonal β cells. Neither did the extract affect glucose transport in 3T3 adipocytes. In conclusion, aqueous extracts of P. ovata reduce hyperglycaemia in diabetes via inhibition of intestinal glucose absorption and enhancement of motility. These attributes indicate that P. ovata may be a useful source of active components to provide new opportunities for diabetes therapy.

A low HDL-cholesterol concentration is an independent risk factor for CVD. Studies have suggested that flavonoid consumption may be cardioprotective, and a favourable impact on circulating HDL-cholesterol concentrations has been suggested to partially explain this association. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of consuming increasing daily doses of low-calorie cranberry juice cocktail (CJC) on the plasma lipid profile of abdominally obese men. For that purpose, thirty men (mean age 51 (SD 10) years) consumed increasing doses of CJC during three successive periods of 4 weeks (125ml/d, 250ml/d, 500ml/d). Before the study and after each phase, we measured changes in physical and metabolic variables. We noted a significant increase in plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration after the consumption of 250ml CJC/d (+8·6±14·0% v. 0ml CJC/d; P<0·01), an effect that plateaued during the last phase of the study (500ml CJC/d: +8·1±10·0% v. 0ml CJC/d; P<0·0001). Multivariate analyses revealed that changes in plasma apo A-I (IR2=48%, P<0·0001) and triacylglycerol (R2=16%, P<0·005) concentrations were the only variables significantly contributing to the variation in plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration noted in response to the intervention. No variation was observed in total as well as in LDL and VLDL cholesterol. The present results show that daily CJC consumption is associated with an increase in plasma HDL-cholesterol concentrations in abdominally obese men. We hypothesise that polyphenolic compounds from cranberries may be responsible for this effect, supporting the notion that the consumption of flavonoid-rich foods can be cardioprotective.

Two experiments explored the hypothesis that distraction causes a reduced sensitivity to the physiological and sensory cues that signal when to terminate a meal. In Experiment 1, eighty-eight females ate five ‘Jaffa Cakes’ either while distracted by a computer game or while sitting in silence. Analysis of the difference in rated hunger, fullness and desire to eat (pre- to post-intake) revealed that distracted participants experienced smaller changes in their desire to eat and fullness than did non-distracted participants. Experiment 2 assessed whether changes in ratings are attenuated because sensory-specific satiety (or a related process) fails to develop. Using a similar procedure, eighty-four females provided desire to eat, pleasantness and intensity ratings for Jaffa Cakes and for two ‘uneaten’ foods, both before and at three time-points after consuming five Jaffa Cakes. Non-distracted participants reported a reduction in their desire to eat the eaten food relative to the uneaten food (food-specific satiety), whereas distracted participants maintained a desire to eat all foods. Moreover, this difference between distracted and non-distracted participants was evident 5 and 10 min after the eating episode had terminated. The present findings invite speculation that distraction attenuates the development of sensory-specific satiety, and that this effect persists (at least for a brief period) after the distractor has terminated. More generally, this kind of phenomenon warrants further scrutiny because it holds the potential to contribute towards overeating, either by prolonging an eating episode or by reducing the interval between meals.

The present study examined the dietary intakes of a population of pregnant women living in the North of England. The objectives of the paper were to assess and describe the dietary intakes of the population and relate the findings to existing data on the diet of pregnant and non-pregnant women in the UK. A total of 250 pregnant women attending their first antenatal appointment at the Jessop Wing Hospital, Sheffield, UK were recruited. Information on their diet was assessed by an interviewer-administered semi-quantified food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The mean intakes as assessed by the FFQ were similar to other studies of UK pregnant population; however Sheffield pregnant women had lower intakes of calcium and folate. Study findings were also related to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey and to the Estimated Nutrient Intakes (EAR). Of the study participants, 40 % did not meet the EAR for calcium, 67 % for iron and 69 % for folate. Subgroup comparisons suggested lower nutrient intakes of participants living in the 40 % most deprived electoral wards. The study findings suggest that the diet of pregnant women in Sheffield is characterised by low intakes of important nutrients for pregnancy such as folate and nutrient variations by electoral wards.

The in vitro digestion of caprine whey proteins was investigated by a two-step degradation assay, using human gastric juice (HGJ) at pH 2·5 and human duodenal juice (HDJ) at pH 7·5. Different protein and peptide profiles were observed after the first (HGJ) and second (HDJ) enzymatic degradation. The minor whey proteins serum albumin, lactoferrin and Ig were rapidly degraded by HGJ, while α-lactalbumin (α-LA) and β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) were more resistant and survived both 30 and 45min of the enzymatic treatment. Further digestion with HDJ still showed intact β-LG, and the main part of α-LA also remained unchanged. The protein degradation by HGJ and HDJ was also compared with treatment by commercial enzymes, by using pepsin at pH 2·5, and a mixture of trypsin and chymotrypsin at pH 7·5. The two methods resulted in different caprine protein and peptide profiles. The digests after treatment with HGJ and HDJ were screened for antibacterial effects on some selected microorganisms, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Streptococcus mutans. Active growing cells of E. coli were inhibited by the digestion products from caprine whey obtained after treatment with HGJ and HDJ. Cells of B. cereus were inhibited only by whey proteins obtained after reaction with HGJ, while the products after further degradation with HDJ demonstrated no significant effect. Screenings performed on cells of Lb. rhamnosus GG and S. mutans all showed no signs of inhibition.

The increasing availability of nutrition and health information has not always increased the knowledge of the general population, but presents them with the need to know and understand in order for choices to be made. While communicating science to the lay public, several challenges are encountered, ranging from the heterogeneity of the audience, the consumers, who demand certainty and a straightforward message, through the different aims and agendas of all the communicators, to the inherent complexity of the scientific message. Nowadays, the media is one major source of scientific information to the general public. The present article examines what the role of the media and scientists should be in bringing scientific communication to the public and how this communication could be improved.

Taurine deficiency in patients on long-term parenteral nutrition may be involved in cholestasis. We aimed to assess plasma taurine and tauro-conjugated bile acids in adults with short-bowel syndrome and their response to intravenous taurine. Thirty-two adult patients, who had been on taurine-free parenteral nutrition for a mean of 59(SE14) months for short-bowel syndrome, were studied retrospectively. In a second study, a subgroup of ten patients with chronic cholestasis received taurine-enriched (6·0(SE0·6)mg/kg per d) parenteral nutrition for 55(SE13) months. Post-absorptive plasma taurine and bile acid concentrations were measured and liver function tests routinely sampled. At baseline, plasma taurine was lower in patients with a jejunal length of less than 35cm (group A, n 16) than in those with a jejunal length of 35cm or more (group B, n 16): 43(SE3) v. 58(SE4)μmol/l (P=0·01). The groups were no different in terms of chronic cholestasis (1/6v.1/6 patients), total bile acids (26(SE13)v.14(SE5)μmol/l) or the ratio of tauro-conjugated:glyco-conjugated bile acids (5(SE2)v.8(SE 4)%, usual range 30–60%). After supplementation, there was an increase in plasma taurine level (63(SE8)v. 43(SE4), P=0·007) but was no change in either total bile acids or the ratio of tauro-conjugated: glyco-conjugated bile acids. There was a significant decrease in aspartate aminotransferase level. Long-term parenteral nutrition for short-bowel syndrome is associated with an impaired tauro-conjugation of bile acids (enterohepatic pool), irrespective of plasma taurine level (systemic pool) and despite long-term taurine intravenous supplementation.

Dairy Ca intake has been shown to be superior to elemental Ca in increasing the loss of body fat during energy restriction. We questioned whether the mechanisms involved an increase in postprandial energy expenditure, fat oxidation and/or a greater lipolysis. The acute effects of different sources of Ca were examined in eight subjects, aged 47–66 years and BMI 27·6–36·1kg/m2, in a three-way cross-over study. Subjects were randomly provided breakfast meals either low in dairy Ca and vitamin D (LD; control), high in non-dairy Ca (calcium citrate) but low in vitamin D (HC) or high in dairy Ca and vitamin D (HD). Diet-induced thermogenesis, fat oxidation rates (FOR), carbohydrate oxidation rates (COR), insulin, glucose, ΔNEFA and glycerol were measured hourly over a 6h postprandial period. Postprandial data were calculated as a change (Δ) from the fasting value. Results showed that ΔNEFA was significantly different between meals (LD −1·50 (sem 0·26), HC −1·22 (sem 0·32), HD −0·94 (sem 0·27) mmol/l×6h; P=0·035), with a lesser suppression following both high-Ca meals. ΔFOR was significantly higher following the two high-Ca meals (LD −6·5 (sem 2·2), HC 2·93 (sem 2·34), HD 3·3 (sem 2·5) g×6;h; P=0·005), while reciprocally ΔCOR was significantly lower. ΔGlycerol was less suppressed following the high-Ca meals but statistical significance was not achieved. No differences in diet-induced thermogenesis, insulin or glucose were observed. Regardless of source, Ca intake acutely stimulated postprandial fat oxidation; and there was a lesser suppression of NEFA following these meals.

Parental feeding style, as measured by the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ), may be an important influence on child feeding behaviour and weight status in early to mid childhood, but more evidence on parental feeding style is required from samples outside the USA. We aimed to use the CFQ in a sample of 117 Scottish children (boys n 53, girls n 64 mean age 4·6 (sd 0·5) years) to: characterise gender differences and changes over time (in forty of the 117 children studied over 2 years); test associations between parental feeding style, free-living energy intake (measured over 3 days using the multiple pass 24-h recall), and weight status (BMI sd score). No dimensions of parental feeding style changed significantly over 2 years in the longitudinal study (P>0·05 in all cases). No aspects of parental feeding style as measured by the CFQ differed significantly between the sexes (P>0·05 in all cases). Parental perceptions of child weight status were generally significantly positively correlated with child weight status as measured by the BMI sd score. In this sample and setting, measures of parental control over child feeding were generally not associated with child energy intake or weight status.

The UK Food Standards Agency convened a group of expert scientists to review current research investigating diet and carriers of genetic mutations associated with hereditary haemochromatosis. The workshop concluded that individuals who are heterozygous for the C282Y mutation of the HFE gene do not appear to respond abnormally to dietary Fe and therefore do not need to change their diet to prevent accumulation of body Fe.

Butyrate is an important substrate for maintenance of colonic health and oligofructose fermentation by human faecal bacteria can increase butyrate production in vitro. However, oligofructose appears to be fermented by mainly acetate and lactate-producing bacteria rather than butyrate-producing bacteria. Isotope labelling studies using [U-13C6]glucose were used to show that 13C2 and 13C4 were the major labelled butyrate species produced from glucose fermentation, via [13C2]acetate–acetyl CoA as intermediate. Bacterial interconversion reactions were quantified and acetate conversion to butyrate and lactate conversion to acetate, propionate and butyrate were observed. Addition of oligofructose to faecal batch cultures significantly increased butyrate production. Of the newly synthesised butyrate from oligofructose fermentation, 80% was derived from interconversion of extracellular acetate and lactate, with acetate being quantitatively more significant. Carbohydrates, such as oligofructose, have prebiotic properties. In addition, oligofructose selectively stimulates the bacterial conversion of acetate and lactate to butyrate. Carbohydrates with similar properties represent a refinement of the prebiotic definition, termed butyrogenic prebiotics, because of their additional functionality.

Diet-induced changes in the activities of bacterial enzymes are known to play a role in colon cancer development. Resveratrol has been implicated as a protective agent in carcinogenesis. In the present study, the effect of resveratrol on the activities of faecal and colonic biotransforming enzymes such as β-glucuronidase, β-glucosidase, β-galactosidase, mucinase, nitroreductase and faecal sulfatase activity was assessed. The total number of aberrant crypt foci and their distribution in the proximal, medial and distal colon were observed in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced rats (group 3) and other treatment groups (groups 4–6). DMH (0.02g/kg body weight) was given subcutaneously once a week for 15 consecutive weeks, and the experiment was terminated at 30 weeks. DMH-treated rats showed elevated levels of cancer-associated bacterial enzyme activities, whereas on resveratrol supplementation in three different regimens, rats showed lowered activities. Resveratrol supplementation throughout the experimental period (group 6) exerted a more pronounced effect (P<0·01) by modulating the development of aberrant crypt foci and the activities of bacterial enzymes than did the other treatment regimens (groups 4 and 5). Thus, the present results demonstrate the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats.

Hypercholesterolaemia is one of the main factors contributing to the appearance and progression of CVD, which is the main cause of death in the adult population of industrialized societies. By 2020, projections suggest that it will continue to hold first place, by then causing 37 % of all deaths. Therapeutic life-style changes to reduce cardiovascular risk include dietary modifications, such as the inclusion of phytosterols or plant sterols (known since the 1950s to reduce cholesterol levels). These help prevent the absorption of cholesterol and thus condition a reduction in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels, and ultimately in cardiovascular mortality. The fat-soluble nature of these sterols rendered margarine one of the best vehicles by which to supply them in the diet. Indeed, margarine was the first food to contain cholesterol-reducing phytosterols to be approved by the EU (in agreement with its regulations on new foods and food ingredients, 258/97/CE). Presently, phytosterols can be emulsified with lecithin and thus delivered in non-fat or low-fat foods and beverages. Margarine and dairy products (yoghurt and milk) enriched in phytosterols have proved better at lowering total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels than have enriched cereals and their derivatives, although all can be of help, depending on the characteristics of each subject. The reduction in carotenoid bioavailability caused by sterols is minimized by increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. Individuals who habitually consume phytosterols should also follow traditional advice such as eating less dietary fat and increasing their physical activity. Phytosterols have been shown to be safe and effective in lowering cholesterol levels in many rigorous studies. In few areas of nutrition is there such consensus. Diet professionals should feel comfortable in prescribing phytosterols/stanols for the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia. They are safe whether taken alone or in combination with cholesterol-reducing drugs, such as statins and fibrates. Reinforcement counselling is essential, as therapy is effective only if compliance is good.

The present study describes findings in relation to perceived body size and ‘desire for thinness’ by age and residential areas (‘metropolitan areas’, ‘large cities’, ‘small cities’ and ‘towns’) among young Japanese women. Data on 1731 non-pregnant, non-lactating women aged 15–39 years from the 1998 National Nutrition Survey of Japan were used. Current body size was evaluated by BMI percentiles (lean, < 5th; underweight, 5th ≤  BMI < 25th; normal, 25th ≤  BMI <  75th; overweight, 75th ≤ BMI < 95th; obese, ≥ 95th), calculated for 5-year age groups. Perceived body size was obtained by self-report. We defined ‘overestimation’ as non-overweight, non-obese women who perceived themselves as being ‘overweight’ or ‘obese’. Desired body size was evaluated by applying the desired BMI to these cut-off points. Of all the women, 48·4 % perceived themselves as being ‘overweight’ or ‘obese’, and 43·7 % desired a ‘lean’ or ‘underweight’ body size. Adjusted for the current BMI, the OR for ‘overestimation’ calculated by a logistic regression model was significantly elevated in the 15–19-year age group (OR 2·79; 95 % CI 1·76, 4·43), compared with the 25–29-year age group. The OR for ‘desire for thinness’ was significantly high in the 35–39-year age group (OR 2·74; 95 % CI 1·93, 3·89) and the 15–19-year age group (OR 2·26; 95 % CI 1·57, 3·24). Women living in metropolitan areas had higher OR for ‘desire for thinness’ (but not for ‘overestimation’) than did women in towns (OR 1·47; 95 % CI 1·05, 2·07). The findings suggest the nature of excessive weight concerns of young women in Japan; thus efforts to control such health-risk behaviours at a national level are urgent.

Xanthophylls have attracted a lot of interest since their health benefits were documented. Unfortunately, studying their intestinal absorption is often affected by high baseline levels present in the fasting plasma. As α-cryptoxanthin is rarely found in the traditional European diet, its concentration in human plasma is extremely low. A pilot human intervention study was designed using α-cryptoxanthin for the first time as a marker xanthophyll in a minimally formulated cellulose-based supplement. α-Cryptoxanthin was administered in gelatin soft-gel capsules in multiple doses of 156μg/d to three male volunteers (age 27·3 (sd 4·7) years; BMI 21·6 (sd 0·3) kg/m2) for 16d after a 2-week carotenoid depletion period. Fasting blood samples were taken before the intervention and after 3, 6, 9, 13 and 16d. Plasma HPLC analyses allowed for determination of the concentration; liquid chromatography–MS in the single ion monitoring mode was used to confirm peak assignment. The concentrations of α-cryptoxanthin increased significantly after only 3d of supplementation. The concentration-time plots showed a characteristic shape with a first maximum after day 6, a decline until day 9 and a gradual second rise until the end of the study. Standardisation of plasma α-cryptoxanthin concentrations to triacylglycerol or total cholesterol did not influence the characteristics. The maximum concentrations reached at the end of the intervention period ranged from 0·077 to 0·160μmol/l. These results suggest a high intestinal absorption and an enrichment of α-cryptoxanthin in the plasma even from a minimally formulated cellulose-based supplement.

Dogs with food allergy are often treated by giving a diet with hydrolysed protein sources. Prebiotics might also be successful in prevention and treatment of allergic disease through their effect on the colonic microflora, analogous to studies on probiotics in allergic children. The present study was set up to investigate the effect of supplementing inulin (IN) to commercial hypoallergenic dog diets on apparent nutrient digestibility, faecal characteristics, haematology and Ig in dogs. Supplementation of 3 % IN did not affect faecal pH, food and water intake and urine production. Compared with the intact protein diet with a limited number of ingredients (L), the diet with a hydrolysed protein source (H) resulted in an increased water intake (P<0·001), which could be due to the osmotic effect of free amino acids. Faeces production was increased by IN due to increased faecal moisture content. Increased faeces production on the H diet was mainly due to a higher DM excretion. Subsequently, the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of DM was lower in the H diet group. A similar result was noted for ADC of diethyl ether extract and crude ash. The ADC of crude protein was higher in the H diet group, whereas IN decreased the ADC of crude protein. Differences in the ADC of crude protein among the different diets disappeared after correction for a higher faecal biomass, except for the dogs fed the L + IN diet. Total faecal IgA concentrations were lower in the H group (P<0·05) because of lower antigenic stimulation of hydrolysed protein, which implies that hydrolysed protein is really hypoallergenic. The present study indicates that the use of hydrolysed protein diets for canine food allergy treatment can affect digestibility and that combination with IN affected apparent protein digestibility but not IgA response.